BT to tackle cyber threats with Security Academy

BT and (ISC)²® (“ISC-squared”) has announced an agreement to offer training for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) and the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP®) certifications within the BT Security Academy.

BT states that the agreement gives its security employees, new recruits and key suppliers the opportunity to pursue (ISC)2’s acclaimed professional certifications. The agreement is part of BT’s strategy to meet a growing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals for the company and its customers. (ISC)2 will support the development of Official (ISC)2 Instructors within BT Security Academy, the delivery of training programmes and the certification examinations to suit demand. Commitments are in place to support an initial cohort of 80 candidates.

Rob Partridge, head of BT Security Academy, commented, “As a major employer and service provider, we have a significant role to play in protecting the economy from growing cyber threats. (ISC)2 certifications are well recognised and communicate reassurance that the people who hold them have core knowledge and experience in the field. We are pleased to be offering this opportunity as part of our ambitious goal to help meet the need for more skilled cybersecurity professionals.

“We are seeing desire from the companies and consumers we serve for reassurance and leadership in cybersecurity which will be delivered through the talent we develop.”

According to the (ISC)2 Global Information Security Workforce Study, 44% of hiring managers struggle to meet current hiring needs and 62% acknowledge that their organisations have too few information security professionals; with nearly a third of those respondents indicating that they would like to see a 15% or greater increase in the security workforce at their organisation. The study forecasts a global shortage of 1.5m qualified information security professionals by 2020.

Faisal Malik, head of business and market development, EMEA at (ISC)2, said, “As a nonprofit body, we are in a position to help companies and organisations set professional development programmes that can both supplement and support recruitment efforts. Certification encourages broad use of globally-recognised best practices and opens the door to membership in a community of ongoing professional development,” said Faisal Malik, head of Business and Market Development, EMEA, (ISC)2.

Dr. Adrian Davis, CISSP, managing director, EMEA, (ISC)2, added, “BT have demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in the development of people needed to fill the well-recognised shortage of skilled professionals. They set an example that many more companies will need to follow if we are to tackle the cyber risks faced by every organisation.”

All (ISC)2 professional certification programmes are developed and maintained as current through an ongoing process of job task analysis and consultation with experts working in the field. Anyone who earns the certification becomes a member of (ISC)2, and has the opportunity to actively participate in this analysis; and thereby, the development of their discipline.